What are Bacopa monnieri’s main drawbacks?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    The most common adverse effects of Bacopa monnieri are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as dry mouth.[1][2] This could be related to Bacopa monnieri’s cholinergic properties, or gastric irritation from the bacoside compounds.[3] There are also reports of flu-like symptoms occurring after taking Bacopa, as well as a reduction in the number of dreams.[1] Not all studies report adverse events, so other negative reactions are possible. Anecdotally, some people experience a lack of motivation after taking Bacopa, likely due to its anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effects.[4] A rat study reported a reversible decrease in sperm count, motility, and viability at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day, but there are no human studies on Bacopa and fertility.[5]